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Adapted
from the book "Pride and Prejudice" written by Jane Austen, this
romance story follows Elizabeth Bennet and her four other sisters as
they go through a season of courtship and marriage, as well as their
family's relationship with two particular gentlemen, Mr Bingley and Mr
Darcy, who newly arrived to their estate located near the Bennet's. The
story also deals with the virtue of women, moral uprightness and the
manners of the society during the turn of 19th century. This BBC six
episodes television drama is adapted by Andrew Davies, produced by Sue
Birtwistle and directed by Simon Langton. The cast includes Jennifer
Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, Susannah Harker as
Jane Bennet, Crispin Bonham-Carter as Mr Bingley, Julia Sawalha as Lydia
Bennet, Benjamin Whitrow and Alison Steadman as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet,
Lucy Briers as Mary Bennet, Polly Marberly as Kitty Bennet, Adrian Lukis
as Wickham and David Bamber as Mr Collins.
(From left to right)Lydia, Jane, Mary, Kitty and Elizabeth
I have not been a fan of romance themed movies but I am absolute captured by the richness of the story, characters and their relationships in this movie adaptation of the book. The movie overall story is divided into six parts which made each episodes start and end satisfyingly. Each episodes consisted of its own unique subplot but doesn't run away from it's main story. More than just a romance story between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, but the story delved into capturing the romance of the 18th century; the importance of family status, the golden virtues of a woman, the importance of a married women and its implication to the family, the status of a society as well as dealing with aristocrats of that time and the manners and society rules in courtship and marriage. The movie takes you back in time and gives you a glimpse through the eyes of Jane Austen and her surroundings when she penned the novel.
As mentioned in the title, the limelight of the story is on the Elizabeth's prejudice against Mr Darcy and Mr Darcy's pride that has left him 'rather disagreeable' by many people around him, especially to Elizabeth. That being painted in their relationship, made their romance story interesting to follow. Their relationship can also be compared that with the almost-perfect loving relationship of Elizabeth's oldest sister, Jane and Mr Darcy's friend, Mr Bingley, and as well compared on the other end of the scale, Elizabeth's flirtatious youngest sister, Lydia and her relationship with men. Setting up Elizabeth and Mr Darcy's relationship is one of the finest stroke from Jane Austen's creativity, and the cast who played them, did a brilliant job in portraying their characters.
However, the conflicts and the tensions of the story are more than what is between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy but also the struggle in the Bennet family when it comes to marrying their daughters, keeping their family's integrity and reputation, as well as dealing with people of a higher class. Not only do these conflicts captured the settings and time of that era but they add tension to many of the character's relationship. It is worth to take note that Jane Austen contrasted the lives of the Bennet's family with that of Mr Darcy's, the character of Elizabeth with that of her sisters and every relationship in the story compared with one another. Jane used them creatively in the plot to flesh out and reveal much of each characters as well as keeping the story engaging. I believed the movie fleshed them out very well.
The characters in this film, much like the book I believe, were very well written, adapted and cast. Elizabeth and Mr Darcy showed great character development, from their introduction that captured each of their characteristics to their first meeting in the ballroom that carried forth the tension into their relationship with one another. Each characters in the film are unique on their own and they play a great role into the story. The actors and actresses who played them were absolutely brilliant, especially Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth and Alison Steadman in their respective roles. Annoying as Mr Collins' character can be, I also find it quite interesting that David Bamber could pull off his role very well.
The characters were very well developed in the story, and they can very well be contrasted to flesh out more of their characteristics. Take for example Elizabeth, she is depicted to be a headstrong woman with a wit, a sharp tongue and a person who speaks her mind while at the same time, she's caring and love her sisters and have a very compassionate side. Compared that with her oldest sister, who is more gentle and soft spoken, and that with her two youngest sister, Lydia and Kitty, who are more playful and couldn't care less of a woman's virtue. Elizabeth too, can be compared with the sisters of Mr Bingley, who lived in a more high class society, and her friend, Charlotte, who appeared to be very much content with her life.
Comparison too can be found between the men, like Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and Mr Wickham. Relationships too can be compared with one another; the relationship with Mr and Mrs Bennet in a 20 years old marriage, the relationship with Mr Bingley and Jane, Elizabeth and Mr Wickham, Elizabeth with Mr Darcy, Lydia with a soldier from the regiment, Mr Darcy and one of Mr Bingley's sisters. So, there's much to appreciate from the novel and the film. Like a work of art, every time you look, there's so much that can be analyzed.
Captured in this film as well, is the detailed 17th century backdrop. The film crew went great length to create the props and the costumes, and scout for locations that pretty much makes you feel like you're watching a film that was captured from that era, rather than that of 1995. I love every details of each scene, especially the ones that involves dancing.
I believe that to speak well of the movie is to speak well of the book. I find the story very engaging and the characters and setting quite fascinating. My utmost praise goes to the cast and their faithful portrayal to the book and as well as the great lengths that the crew members went to create a believable romance of that era and to bring forth a faithful adaptation. Fans and readers would definitely not be disappointed, and I believe romance-movie goers would definitely find this more favorable film than the present day romance films. Perhaps, the drawbacks in this film are the old appearance of the film's quality, which cause many of the modern viewers preferring the 2005 version, and the sophisticated english jargon in the lines, which may be quite difficult to hear. But that can be solved by turning on the subtitles. If that can be overcome for the viewer, the lines written can be a plus point and be as fascinating as watching the drama in the movie. Overall, I would give this a 7 out of 10 Mrs Bennet's nerves.
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